Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Evaluates Indigenous Ammunition Advancements at Dehu Road Military Station
Today, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, attended a significant event at the Dehu Road Military Station. During his visit, he observed a pioneering demonstration of modified in-service ammunition at the 29 Field Ammunition Depot. This event highlighted indigenous innovations designed to boost India's defense self-sufficiency as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The demonstration illustrated progress in ammunition technology achieved through Indian industrial capabilities. These advancements are contributing to the Ministry of Defence's recently announced 16.5% rise in domestic procurement for 2024. A study by RAND Corporation in 2023 had previously reported a 25% reduction in India's reliance on foreign defense imports over the past ten years, a change bolstered by such local innovations.
During his visit, Lt Gen Seth also toured the Central Ordnance Depot, where he commended its strategic importance in ensuring the prompt delivery of essential stores during operational deployments. He engaged with troops and civilian staff, underscoring the critical need for innovation and modernized logistics to enhance responsiveness to frontline demands, a shortcoming that was notably highlighted during the 1999 Kargil War.
This visit aligns with the Army's "Decade of Transformation" plan and the national vision of "Viksit Bharat 2047." These initiatives aim to advance India's military capabilities through the adoption of technology-driven self-sufficiency and improved operational efficiency.
